The United Democratic Movement has moved to quash talk of a fading party, with Party Leader Capt. Ali Ibrahim Roba declaring the movement as vibrant as ever.

“Our party remains strong, united, and unwavering in its vision. We are firm in our identity, clear in our purpose, and resolute in the strategic path we have chosen.”

The statement came as UDM navigated delicate decisions within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, including handing its Banissa parliamentary aspirant to its UDA partner — a move Roba cast as strategic cooperation rather than weakness.

Founded in 1999 and revived under Roba’s leadership, UDM has grown from a frontier outfit into one of the country’s most consequential regional parties. The party counts two governors, two senators, several members of parliament and dozens of MCAs, and says it commands close to a million votes nationally.

Leaders say the next chapter is about nationalising the movement — opening offices county by county, driving a fresh membership push, and carrying UDM’s message of equity and dignity into regions that have never had a UDM ticket on the ballot.

“UDM is an old party,” Roba has said, “and we are determined to open more offices to ensure a smooth membership drive.”